WILD TURKEY HUNTING 23
Wild Turkey Hunting
Anyone who possesses a big game or small game firearms license or archery license may obtain a combination spring / fall wild turkey permit .
LANDOWNER PRIVILEGES The following laws and regulations are specific to spring and fall wild turkey hunting seasons . Hunters must also comply with all other applicable fish and wildlife laws .
Any private landowner is eligible to hunt wild turkeys on their own land without a turkey hunting permit if :
1 . That person owns a particular piece of land that is 25 or more contiguous acres in size and is located within the turkey hunting zone designated for the season that they wish to hunt ;
2 . That person is permanently domiciled on that land ;
3 . The land is managed for the raising and selling of dairy cattle , dairy products , or beef cattle ; and
4 . The land is open to hunting including hunting by permission only .
Any family member permanently domiciled on that land is also eligible to hunt wild turkeys on that land without a permit . ( Family member means any family member , including spouse , grandchildren , etc . who resides on the property ). A landowner must provide proof of eligibility if requested by an agent of the commissioner .
All other standard reporting and tagging procedures are required . Turkey may be harvested during any open week of the season . Landowners are allowed a bag limit of up to 2 bearded wild turkeys in the spring season and up to 5 wild turkeys of either-sex in the fall season . Please check the WMD in which you are hunting as some are closed , and others have bag limits varying anywhere from 1 , up to 5 turkeys .
WILD TURKEY HUNTING PROHIBITIONS No Person May : 1 . Employ the use of a dog or dogs in any manner while hunting turkey except during the fall season ;
2 . Engage in an organized drive of any manner ;
3 . Use bait ;
4 . Use a trap or other device intended or designed to capture or ensnare wild turkeys ;
5 . Shoot a turkey while it is in a tree ;
6 . Present for registration , or allow to be registered in his or her name , a wild turkey that he / she did not lawfully kill ;
7 . Hunt wild turkeys within a WMD that is closed to hunting wild turkeys .
8 . Possess any part or parts of a wild turkey unless each part is plainly labeled with the name and address of the person who registered the turkey , and the year it was registered ;
9 . Buy , sell , offer for sale or barter , or aid someone in buying , selling , or offering for sale or barter , any wild turkey ( except the plumage of legally harvested turkeys ).
10 . Hunt or register a wild turkey during the spring season after having killed or registered two turkeys .
11 . Hunt or register a wild turkey during the fall season after having killed five turkeys .
WILD TURKEY LEGAL HUNTING HOURS Legal hunting time is from ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset .
WILD TURKEY LICENSING , PERMIT , & WHO MAY HUNT License & Permit The spring and fall wild turkey hunting seasons are open to all hunters with valid big or small game hunting licenses . A combination spring / fall wild turkey permit is also required and available for $ 20 , plus agent fee .
Who May Hunt The turkey hunter must possess the spring / fall wild turkey permit and their hunting license at all times while hunting . A person may assist in a hunt without a license or permit for that activity as long as that person does not carry a firearm or archery equipment ( means to kill ).
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR ALL TURKEYS HARVESTED IN THE SPRING AND FALL SEASONS
Wild Turkeys can either be registered in-person at a registration station or self-registered online at mefishwildlife . com / tagaturkey .
QUESTIONS ? CALL 207 287-8000 2024-25 STATE OF MAINE SUMMARY OF LAWS & RULES HUNTING